Start Freedom Dayton

Once again, we’re holding onto BELLE and CHEF this week, but we’re also going to start two new documentaries. FED UP is one that several of you have been asking about…and it’s currently only slated to play for one week (one screening per day). Hurry down if you need to see it! In addition, we will play a documentary that many of you have seen advertised before our current two hits – SUPERMENSCH: THE LEGEND OF SHEP GORDON, directed by Mike Myers (you may have seen Shep Gordon on CBS Sunday Morning a couple weeks ago or even on David Letterman last night).

Synopsis for FED UP: “Far more of us get sick from what we eat than anyone has ever realized. This potent expose uncovers the food industry’s dirty secrets. This exploration reveals how, in the wake of media attention, public fascination with appearance and government policies pushing for change, generations of Americans will live shorter lives.” “For the past 30 years, everything we thought we knew about food and exercise is dead wrong. FED UP is the film the food industry doesn’t want you to see. From Katie Couric, Laurie David (Oscar winning producer of AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH) and director Stephanie Soechtig, FED UP will change the way you eat forever.” (taken from RADiUS-TWC) Click on this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

Synopsis for SUPERMENSCH: THE LEGEND OF SHEP GORDON: “Shep Gordon is the consummate Hollywood insider. Though he isn’t a household name, Gordon has become a beacon in the industry, beloved by the countless stars he has encountered throughout his storied career. Shep is known for managing the careers of Alice Cooper as well as stints with Blondie, Luther Vandross and Raquel Welch, among others – a career that began with a chance encounter in 1968 with Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix. He even found time to invent the “Celebrity Chef.” Though the chef as star is part of the culture now, it took Shep’s imagination, and his moral outrage at how the chefs were being treated, to monetize the culinary arts into the multi-billion dollar industry it is today. Personal friends with the Dalai Lama through his philanthropic endeavors with the Tibet Fund and the guardian of four children, Gordon’s unlikely story will be told by those who know him best, his pals, including Alice Cooper, Michael Douglas, Sylvester Stallone, Anne Murray, Willie Nelson, Emeril Lagasse and more.” (RADiUS-TWC) Click on this LINK to visit the film’s official facebook page.

Don’t forget about Start Freedom Dayton’s screening of TRICKED on Thursday evening at 7:30. More details can be found on our website – www.neomovies.com.

The Montgomery County Food Policy Coalition is hosting a screening of FOOD PATRIOTS this Saturday, June 21 at 3:00. “Touched by their teenage son’s battle with a foodborne superbug, filmmakers Jeff & Jennifer Spitz document their family’s struggle to raise backyard chickens, grow food, and transform into Food Patriots. FOOD PATRIOTS features people from all walks of life who are trying to change the way Americans eat and buy food, and educate the next generation of consumers.” Admission is free and open to the public – to save a spot, please RSVP to Emily Bradford at (937)225-6470 or [email protected]

On Wednesday, June 25 at 7:30, THE NEON is happy to host a one-night screening of the new documentary TO BE TAKEI. This is part of Dayton PRIDE’s month-long LGBT Pride celebration. “Over seven decades, actor and activist George Takei boldly journeyed from a WWII internment camp, to the helm of the starship Enterprise, to the daily news feeds of five million Facebook fans. Join George and his husband Brad on this star’s playful and profound trek for life, liberty, and love. Best known for playing Sulu on the original Star Trek TV series and six movies that followed, George Takei is unlikely social media royalty. Unofficially dubbed the King of Facebook, he counts over 5 million fans in his online empire – including Trekkies, Howard Stern listeners, and the LGBTQ community – who devour his quirky mix of kitten jokes, Star Trek references, heartfelt messages, and sci-fi/fantasy memes…” (taken from press notes) Tickets, just $8 each, are now available at our box office.

On Thursday, June 26 at 7:30, we will host a preview screening of the new short film FOR FRANCIS. “When Matt Flynn (David Beck) discovers that his son Francis’s second grade teacher Ms. Walker (Kathy Patterson) gave his son a dress to wear, Matt becomes enraged and confronts the school. This very special preview screening on June 26th is in large part for donors in the Dayton area who contributed to the FOR FRANCIS fundraising campaign last fall. The film has already captured the attention of many prominent figures in the entertainment industry, including Emmy Award Winner Tim Gunn, who is one of the film’s Executive Producers. The character of ‘Ms. Walker’ in FOR FRANCIS is inspired by David Beck’s junior high English teacher, Denise Walker, of St. Charles School, in Kettering, Ohio. Although a work of fiction, the story of FOR FRANCIS is inspired by the real life Mrs. Walker’s positive influence on David’s life. Please RSVP to [email protected] for free tickets. Donations are welcome, and walk-ins will be accepted for $7. The donations will be used to help cover the cost of theater rentals and festival submissions.” (taken from Press Notes)

Things aren’t looking good for the potential screening of STAND CLEAR OF THE CLOSING DOORS – tentatively set for Sunday, June 29 at 5:15…only 5 tickets have been reserved. If 50 tickets aren’t reserved by this Friday, the screening will not move forward. If you want to see this film screen at THE NEON, click this official LINK to reserve your ticket…and please help spread the word. “STAND CLEAR OF THE CLOSING DOORS tells the story of Ricky, a 13-year old boy with Asperger’s Syndrome who gets lost one day in the New York City subway system. While his mother frantically searches for him above ground, the sensory-sensitive Ricky is exposed to the cacophony, eccentricity, and menace found in New York’s underground (including some scenes shot during Hurricane Sandy, which came to figure into the film’s story), resulting in a truly authentic view into both the wonders and the horrors of what lies below.”

I’m so glad to announce that we have added IDA to our “Coming Soon” list. This little gem of a film was one of the best films I saw at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival – right up there with 12 YEARS A SLAVE and PHILOMENA. Next time you’re in, I’ll hope to have trailers running.

Even though we’re managing to hold BELLE and CHEF for another week, we’re adding 2 new films to the mix. The documentary about Ralph Steadman – FOR NO GOOD REASON – will have just three screenings over the weekend, and Jim Jarmusch’s new vampire film (with the always-thrilling Tilda Swinton) – ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE – will start limited screenings on Friday.

Synopsis for ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE: “Jim Jarmusch’s ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE tells the tale of two fragile and sensitive vampires, Adam (Tom Hiddleston) and Eve (Tilda Swinton), who have been lovers for centuries. Both are cultured intellectuals with an all-embracing passion for music, literature and science, who have evolved to a level where they no longer kill for sustenance, but still retain their innate wildness. Adam, a reclusive underground musician hiding out in the ruins of contemporary Detroit, despairs about human civilization’s decline, and worries about future survival. Eve, who is perhaps 3000 years old to Adam’s 500, takes a longer view of history and is more optimistic. She leaves her home in the ancient city of Tangier to come to his side.” (taken from Sony Pictures Classics) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

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Synopsis for FOR NO GOOD REASON: “Experience 15 years in the life of acclaimed illustrator Ralph Steadman, whose surreal, often confrontational artwork is frequently associated with Gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson thanks to such books as Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and The Curse of Lono. A look back at Steadman’s remarkable career offers a glimpse into his vivid imagination as interviews with Johnny Depp, Terry Gilliam, Richard E. Grant, Tim Robbins and others offer insight into the man behind the legend. Meanwhile, Steadman watches as his drawings are brought to life through the magic of animation for the very first time.” (Jason Buchanan, Rovi) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

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“Start Freedom Dayton, a film series started by Peace on Fifth to raise awareness about human trafficking, returns next Thursday, June 19th at 7:30 pm with the newest movie about human trafficking – TRICKED. The sex trafficking industry rakes in $3 billion dollars a year and with little awareness for the general population. TRICKED, released in December 2013, is set on the streets of the US as a clear witness to the domestic sex trafficking ‘game.’ This is a very powerful movie. Age appropriate for 12+, however children should have some level of awareness and emotional maturity. For more information call Peace on Fifth at 937.367.7215 or email [email protected] To learn more about TRICKED and to see a trailer, visit the official site. All advanced tickets are available exclusively at Peace on Fifth (234 S Dutoit St., St. Anne’s Hill) for an $8 suggested donation.” (taken from Peace on Fifth press release)

The Montgomery County Food Policy Coalition is hosting a screening of FOOD PATRIOTS on Saturday, June 21 at 3:00. “Touched by their teenage son’s battle with a foodborne superbug, filmmakers Jeff & Jennifer Spitz document their family’s struggle to raise backyard chickens, grow food, and transform into Food Patriots. FOOD PATRIOTS features people from all walks of life who are trying to change the way Americans eat and buy food, and educate the next generation of consumers.” Admission is free and open to the public – to save a spot, please RSVP to Emily Bradford at (937)225-6470 or [email protected]

On Wednesday, June 25 at 7:30, THE NEON is happy to host a one-night screening of the new documentary TO BE TAKEI. This is part of Dayton PRIDE’s month-long LGBT Pride celebration. “Over seven decades, actor and activist George Takei boldly journeyed from a WWII internment camp, to the helm of the starship Enterprise, to the daily news feeds of five million Facebook fans. Join George and his husband Brad on this star’s playful and profound trek for life, liberty, and love. Best known for playing Sulu on the original Star Trek TV series and six movies that followed, George Takei is unlikely social media royalty. Unofficially dubbed the King of Facebook, he counts over 5 million fans in his online empire – including Trekkies, Howard Stern listeners, and the LGBTQ community – who devour his quirky mix of kitten jokes, Star Trek references, heartfelt messages, and sci-fi/fantasy memes…” (taken from press notes) Tickets, just $8 each, are now available at our box office.

On Thursday, June 26 at 7:30, we will host a preview screening of the new short film FOR FRANCIS. “When Matt Flynn (David Beck) discovers that his son Francis’s second grade teacher Ms. Walker (Kathy Patterson) gave his son a dress to wear, Matt becomes enraged and confronts the school. This very special preview screening on June 26th is in large part for donors in the Dayton area who contributed to the FOR FRANCIS fundraising campaign last fall. The film has already captured the attention of many prominent figures in the entertainment industry, including Emmy Award Winner Tim Gunn, who is one of the film’s Executive Producers. The character of ‘Ms. Walker’ in FOR FRANCIS is inspired by David Beck’s junior high English teacher, Denise Walker, of St. Charles School, in Kettering, Ohio. Although a work of fiction, the story of FOR FRANCIS is inspired by the real life Mrs. Walker’s positive influence on David’s life. Please RSVP to [email protected] for free tickets. Donations are welcome, and walk-ins will be accepted for $7. The donations will be used to help cover the cost of theater rentals and festival submissions.” (taken from Press Notes)

A special, one-time screening of STAND CLEAR OF THE CLOSING DOORS has been requested for Sunday, June 29 at 5:15…but it will only move forward if at least 50 tickets are reserved by Friday, June 20. Click this official LINK to reserve your ticket. “STAND CLEAR OF THE CLOSING DOORS tells the story of Ricky, a 13-year old boy with Asperger’s Syndrome who gets lost one day in the New York City subway system. While his mother frantically searches for him above ground, the sensory-sensitive Ricky is exposed to the cacophony, eccentricity, and menace found in New York’s underground (including some scenes shot during Hurricane Sandy, which came to figure into the film’s story), resulting in a truly authentic view into both the wonders and the horrors of what lies below.”

We had an absolutely terrific holiday weekend. Audiences are loving CHEF and BELLE, and we’re going to hold them both. Many thanks to all of you who came out to support these films.

I know that many of you are anxious to see some of our upcoming selections – like FED UP and ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE and JODOROWSKY’S DUNE…please rest assured that these films will eventually make their way to THE NEON. Our opening dates can move for a variety of reasons, and we appreciate your patience as some of the films get shifted. Stay tuned to this newsletter or our website for the latest date changes.

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“Start Freedom Dayton, a film series started by Peace on Fifth to raise awareness about human trafficking, returns June 19th at 7:30 pm at THE NEON with the newest movie about human trafficking – TRICKED. The sex trafficking industry rakes in $3 billion dollars a year and with little awareness for the general population. TRICKED, released in December 2013, is set on the streets of the US as a clear witness to the domestic sex trafficking ‘game.’ This is a very powerful movie. Age appropriate for 12+, however children should have some level of awareness and emotional maturity. For more information call Peace on Fifth at 937.367.7215 or email [email protected] To learn more about TRICKED and to see a trailer, visit the official site. All advanced tickets are available exclusively at Peace on Fifth (234 S Dutoit St., St. Anne’s Hill) for an $8 suggested donation. The screening will only happen if 75 tickets are distributed.” (taken from Peace on Fifth press release)

On Wednesday, June 25 at 7:30, THE NEON is happy to host a one-night screening of the new documentary TO BE TAKEI. This is part of Dayton PRIDE‘s month-long LGBT Pride celebration. “Over seven decades, actor and activist George Takei boldly journeyed from a WWII internment camp, to the helm of the starship Enterprise, to the daily news feeds of five million Facebook fans. Join George and his husband Brad on this star’s playful and profound trek for life, liberty, and love. Best known for playing Sulu on the original Star Trek TV series and six movies that followed, George Takei is unlikely social media royalty. Unofficially dubbed the King of Facebook, he counts over 5 million fans in his online empire – including Trekkies, Howard Stern listeners, and the LGBTQ community – who devour his quirky mix of kitten jokes, Star Trek references, heartfelt messages, and sci-fi/fantasy memes…” (taken from press notes) Tickets, just $8 each, are now available at our box office.

Our facebook page is blowing up because I announced that we’re considering playing the newly remastered A HARD DAY’S NIGHT during July 4 weekend. This is in celebration of the 50th anniversary. Would you come out to support this Beatles favorite if we played it during the holiday weekend?

Thanks for your continued interest and enthusiastic support.
We hope to see you soon!
Jonathan

Response has been quite mixed for BEFORE MIDNIGHT. Some of you agree with me and think it’s one of the year’s best films…others think it’s “too chatty and boring.” If you haven’t seen it, we hope you’ll come and decide for yourself. It will stick around for another week. On our other screen, we will open a new thriller called THE EAST.

Be sure to keep a look-out for MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, the contemporary retelling of The Bard’s famous play – directed by Joss Whedon. It could open as soon as next week!

Synopsis for THE EAST: “An elite private intelligence firm contracts ex-FBI agent Sarah Moss to infiltrate a mysterious anarchist collective, The East, suspected to be responsible for attacking major corporations. Sarah goes undercover, but as she gets closer to the action and the organization’s leader, her commitment to her task begins to waver.” (taken from Metacritic.com) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site. This film stars Brit Marling, Alexander Skarsgard, Ellen Page and Patricia Clarkson (one of my all-time favorite actresses).

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“Start Freedom Dayton is at it again – this time with a screening BORN INTO BROTHELS, the 77th Oscar winner for Best Feature Documentary. Come see the movie and stay for the post-screening discussion led by Melinda Haggerty, Ohio’s Director of Children’s Initiatives, the juvenile justice arm of the Office of Mike DeWine. Advance tickets are available at Peace on Fifth for $7.50 (located at 508 E. Fifth Street). Tickets on the day of the show will cost $10 at THE NEON.” (Peace on Fifth press notes.) Born into Brothels is the chronicle of two documentary filmmakers and their time in Sonagchi, Calcutta and the relationships they developed with children of prostitutes who work the city’s notorious red light district.

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On Saturday, July 6, THE NEON will host the premiere of Meladi McNair’s new film THE OMISSION. “Marissa tries to hide from her friends that she is in an unfortunate, yet common situation that afflicts many young adults. A violent, controlling relationship. Three flashbacks paint her birthday bash as the platform for a series of unfortunate events in which five long-time friends learn of her situation, and turn on each other… THE OMISSION, a dark, abuse awareness film debuts at 3 pm on July 6. The film was written and directed by Dayton’s own Meladi McNair; a Journalist and social-conscious author, artist and filmmaker. She is also the author of the anti-bullying book, ‘The Vexing.’ Tickets are $5 each.” (taken from press notes)

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Here’s a note from American Pi, a store just a block from THE NEON: “Victory Film Group and Made in the USA Films present a 90 minute documentary that explores the rise and fall of U.S. manufacturing. Josh Miller sets out on a journey in which he attempts to live off of USA made products for 30 days. Can he do it!? During Josh’s journey he talks with locals to find out if ‘Made in the USA’ really means anything anymore. If not, what does that mean for the future of our country? Come find out when you join us on the MADE IN THE USA: THE 30 DAY JOURNEY. To obtain tickets online, visit the site. Our site says they are $10 but for a they are FREE. TICKETS MUST BE RESERVED via the website, at our location or via phone (click this LINK for the site). FREE price will reflect during checkout. We do have a VIP package so that viewers can get DVD and photos with Josh etc. and that price is $20.” Check out American Pi’s official site.

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“AMU is the story of Kaju, a twenty-one-year-old Indian American woman who returns to India to visit her family and discover the place where she was born. The film takes a dark turn as Kaju stumbles against secrets and lies from her past. A horrifying genocide that took place twenty years ago turns out to hold the key to her mysterious origins.” The India Foundation will present this special screening of AMU on Saturday, July 13 at Noon. Tickets will be $5 each.

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There’s another potential Gathr screening on the horizon. Once again, 50 tickets need to be reserved in order for the screening to be locked down. The movie is BACK TO 1942, and it’s an epic film set during a drought in China’s Henan province in 1942. The tentative screening is scheduled for July 17 at 7:30. Click this LINK to reserve your ticket.

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
June 28 – MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
TBD – LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED
July 12 – 20 FEET FROM STARDOM
July 26 – THE WAY WAY BACK
TBD – GINGER AND ROSA
TBD – KON TIKI
TBD – FROM UP ON POPPY HILL
TBD – IN THE HOUSE

For those of you who haven’t seen RENOIR yet (or those of you who need to see it again), we’re going to hold the film for one screening per day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Sunday will be its last day…so hurry down. On Friday, we will open the best reviewed film of the year…and in my opinion, the best film I’ve seen all year – BEFORE MIDNIGHT. In addition, we will hold the new Noah Baumbach comedy FRANCES HA. For this week’s remaining showtimes, visit our website at www.neonmovies.com.

Synopsis for BEFORE MIDNIGHT: BEFORE MIDNIGHT is the best reviewed film of the year – with current scores of 98% on Rottentomatoes.com and 96% on Metascritic.com (check out all the 100% reviews by clicking this LINK). Don’t miss this honest, relatable, and touching film on the big screen. “In this follow-up to Before Sunrise and Before Sunset, we meet Jesse and Celine nine years later in Greece. Almost two decades have passed since their first meeting on that train bound for Vienna.” (taken from Sony Classics) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site. This film is rich with intelligent dialog and great performances, and it works whether you’ve seen the 2 previous films or not.

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There are still tickets available for our special screening of I DO – taking place on Thursday, June 20 at 7:30. As the Supreme Court decides on civil rights issues that will effect thousands of US Citizens, this film couldn’t come at a more important time. (I saw this film at The Cleveland International Film Festival, and the audience adored it!) “A gay Brit living in New York is deprived of his immigration status, and risks losing his family and life in the U.S. He marries his lesbian best friend to remain in the country and stay with his family, but things get complicated when he meets the love of his life and is forced to make an impossible choice.” This one night only screening is part of Dayton’s PRIDE festivities. Tickets are $9 for General Admission. Members of The Greater Dayton LGBT Center get in for $7 (with valid membership card). Tickets are on sale now at THE NEON’s box office.

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“Start Freedom Dayton is at it again – this time with a screening BORN INTO BROTHELS, the 77th Oscar winner for Best Feature Documentary. Come see the movie and stay for the post-screening discussion led by Melinda Haggerty, Ohio’s Director of Children’s Initiatives, the juvenile justice arm of the Office of Mike DeWine. Advance tickets are available at Peace on Fifth for $7.50 (located at 508 E. Fifth Street). Tickets on the day of the show will cost $10 at THE NEON.” (Peace on Fifth press notes.) Born into Brothels is the chronicle [of two documentary filmmakers and] their time in Sonagchi, Calcutta and the relationships they developed with children of prostitutes who work the city’s notorious red light district.

On Saturday, July 6, THE NEON will host the premiere of Meladi McNair’s new film THE OMISSION. “Marissa tries to hide from her friends that she is in an unfortunate, yet common situation that afflicts many young adults. A violent, controlling relationship. Three flashbacks paint her birthday bash as the platform for a series of unfortunate events in which five long-time friends learn of her situation, and turn on each other… THE OMISSION, a dark, abuse awareness film debuts at 3 pm on July 6. The film was written and directed by Dayton’s own Meladi McNair; a Journalist and social-conscious author, artist and film maker. She is also the author of the anti-bullying book, ‘The Vexing.’ Tickets are $5 each.” (taken from press notes)

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
June 21 – THE EAST
June 28 – LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED
July 12 – 20 FEET FROM STARDOM
July 26 – THE WAY WAY BACK
Aug 2 – I’M SO EXCITED
Aug 23 – BLUE JASMINE
TBD – GINGER AND ROSA
TBD – KON TIKI
TBD – FROM UP ON POPPY HILL
TBD – IN THE HOUSE